sumthnspecial

Yes, you can start working before passing the NCLEX. I live in CA, so it may be different where you live but the BRN sends me an IP license to practice until I sit for the boards. I got hired before even finishing nursing school. Most of the hospitals in my area started interviewing 2-3 weeks before graduation. I start working January 5th, but probably won't take my boards until the end of january.

I only had 2 classes this semester(my last semester), Critical care and leadership. I got an 'A' on both finals and ended up with an 'A' in both classes. I am so glad it is over. Amber

I also graduated December 11th, I can't believe its over. The hospital that I signed with pays for us to take the Kaplan review class. I start working January 5th. Amber

Like you, I had a previous bachelors degree so when I decided to go back to school for nursing, I only had to take my science pre- req classes. Fortunately, my sciences didn't have any other pre-reqs because then it would have taken me twice as long. I took Chemistry, Anatomy, and sociology(my upper division sociology didn't transfer) 1 semester, then took Physiology and Microbiology the next semester. So it took me a year for the pre-reqs and then 2 years for the nursing program. Even though I could have gone back to the university that I got my first degree from I decided to attend a community college instead to go to nursing school, I think I got through faster doing it this way. Good luck. Amber

I also loved the evening shift. We only had the option of doing it 1 semester, but I would have done it the whole time if I could. I don't know about anyone else, but when I had clinic from 700-330 I would be use less after because I was so tired. But with the evening shift I was able to get up at a reasonable hour and get things done in the morning/early afternoon when I had some energy. Amber

I gradutate in December too. We only have 2 classes in 4th semester...Critical Care and Leadership.

:yeahthat:

They wouldn't accept me while I was in progress, so I had to wait out 1 semester while I was applying. It wasn't too bad because I took medical terminology and a couple other classes that were "recommended". I got accepted my first time so it wasn't too long of a wait. I don't know the payscale exactly, I have heard through the grapvine that its around $25 an hour(with 10% differentials for nights and weekends). I can tell you more come January, I plan to work at Mercy Southwest.:wink2:

Me. I am currently a 3rd semester RN student at BC. What kind of info are you looking for?

I could have written your post. My husband and I have been married for 6 years and the past 2 1/2 have been the worst years of our marriage due to his gambling problem. He actually left me last december(and I started the nursing program in January). We have since tried to reconcile things but it is really hard. We are actually legally seperated because I DO NOT trust him. Gambling is such a hard addiction to deal with. It was horrible when he left and even though I hate dealing with the gambling issues, I would rather him be here than not. I don't think I have any advice, other than put your foot down and stick with whatever you say. It has been a very long and hard road but I hope that we are on our way to recovery. I graduate in December of 08 so if things don't get better in our marriage then I will be able to support myself(and my daughter). Even if things started heading downhill again, I think that I would still stay until I was done with school. Let me know if you ever want to talk, it sounds like we are in similar situations.

I just finished 1st semester and passsing was a 78%, but we got a notice saying that starting next semester they are lowering to 75%.

I have to look away and stare at a spot on the wall when I am taking a pulse. I look at my watch to get the starting time but if I continue to look at my watch I start counting the seconds instead of the pulse. So get a start time, and then look away at a blank space on the wall and concentrate on the pulse beating under your fingers. Good luck.

5 years, wow that is a long time. I just wanted to let you know that some schools give preference to in county residence, so you may want to ask them about that. I applied to College of the Sequoias(in Visalia), and didn't get in because I don't live in that county. Luckily I did get into my town's RN program. Good luck. Amber

I am in CA and my school doesn't have a waiting list, I got in on my first try. PM me if you want more info. Amber

I feel the exact same way. I told my husband that when my letter came I felt really relieved, but now I am terrified. I said the same thing about finally figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up and now it is starting and it a little overwhelming. Like my life is about to totally change(in a good way) but still change is hard. I am scared about everything: will I be able to get through this, will I(we) survive financially, am I going to be a good nurse? I am also so excited, I feel blessed that I have this opportunity. Last year I turned my life upside down in order to go back to school. I quite my job and took out a ton of student loans in order to help support my family while I was in school. I put all my eggs in one basket and banked on getting into nursing school. So far everything is going as planned(except one little hiccup in the application period that added a semester onto my time in school), and I am so thrilled it is all working out. Amber